When you’re trying to build up a breastmilk stockpile in your freezer, it can be time-consuming to pump milk into a bottle before putting it in a storage bag.
It adds even more time to the process because you have to sterilize the bottle. Thankfully, you can pump breastmilk directly into storage bags.
In this article
Pumping Breastmilk Directly Into Storage Bags
You might not be able to attach just any storage bag to your breast pump, but you do have a few different options. It’s important that you take the time to consider each option so that you can make the right choice for yourself and your family.
You’ll also need to consider which choice is going to save you the most money. Raising children is expensive enough!
Purchase A Breast Pump And Specifically Designed Storage Bags
If you don’t have a breast pump yet or have some extra cash, consider picking up a new breast pump that is designed to work with both bottles and storage bags.
Storage bags are made to fit specific brands of pumps so you can get an entire kit, and start pumping breastmilk into bags as soon as the package arrives.
- ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY FOR SUPERIOR PERFORMANCE: Thanks to its patented and research-based 2-Phase Expression Technology, mothers can produce more milk in less time; this breastpump was made for optimal efficiency and maximized flow
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Medela Pump and Save Storage Bags are designed to be used with any Medela pump. If you already have one, you can purchase the bags separately to make breastmilk storage easier.
You’ll attach the bag to the breast pump just as you would a bottle. Then, when you’re finished, seal the bag, label it, and put it in the freezer.
You Can Buy Storage Bags For The Breast Pump You Have
Not all breast pump manufacturers have storage bags on the market, but most of the popular brands do. If you have a Lansinoh or Medela pump, you can purchase the same brand of storage bags.
You’ll still need an adaptor to make sure that the bags sit securely on the pump while you’re pumping, but this is included in the purchase with some bags provided you select that option.
Consider Using The Kiinde System
This system is ideal for moms that already have a breast pump they enjoy or ones that are looking for the perfect product. It’s an all-in-one system that is designed for convenience, which we all need.
The system is designed so that you can pump directly into a pouch. There are adaptors included in most starter kits that make this system compatible with several brands of breast pumps.
After you pump it into the bag, you can feed your baby from the same bag. To do this, you unscrew the top of the bag. Then, screw on the nipple and feed your baby.
That means you won’t need bottles the entire time that you’re breastfeeding, which also means you’ll never have to deal with them. No washing or sanitizing bottles.
No more pumping into a bottle and pouring it into a bag, or having to pour it from the bag into a bottle. The only disadvantage is that it can be a bit awkward to hold the bag while feeding your baby if you’re used to using a bottle.
- DIRECT & GERM-FREE PUMP-TO-BAG SYSTEM: The Kiinde Breast Milk Storage System allows you to collect, store, prepare, and feed using a single disposable breast milk storage bag. You won’t need to worry about contaminating your breast milk supply when you can use the same milk storage pouch to feed your baby. The system eliminates the risk of spills when transferring milk and provides the convenience of no dirty bottles to wash.
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Pick Up An Adaptor For Your Breast Pump
If you already own a breast pump and aren’t a fan of a system like the Kiinde one, that doesn’t mean that you’re out of luck.
You can pick up an adaptor for your breast pump so that the storage bags of your choice will work with your breast pump. Most brands that sell breast milk storage bags for breast pumps also sell adaptors.
- Compatible with Medela Pump in Style Advanced, Swing, Harmony, and Symphony breast pumps only
- Easy connect adapter seamlessly attaches to your breast shield for easy pumping directly into the bags
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Things To Keep In Mind When Pumping Into Storage Bags
Pumping breast milk into storage bags is more convenient than using bottles. You don’t have as many parts to sanitize.
You’ll also find that once you’re done pumping, you can seal the bag, label it, and put it in the freezer. It’s simply convenient. There are a couple of things to keep in mind.
You Still Have To Sterilize Your Breast Pump
While you’re going to get out of sterilizing the bottles by pumping breastmilk directly into storage bags, you’re still going to have to sterilize the rest of the breast pump.
Once you start doing that, you’ll realize it wasn’t that big of a deal to sterilize the bottles that you were pumping into.
You’ll Always Need An Adaptor
Your breast milk storage bags are not going to instantly attach to your breast pump. You’re going to need an adaptor. The great thing about the Kiinde system is that it comes with plenty of them.
However, you’ll also find that you can usually find whatever adaptor you need on Amazon too. Fortunately, these aren’t very expensive if you buy them individually.
It’s Not Recommended To Pump Into The Same Bag All Day
If you’re pumping five ounces at a time, this isn’t going to be an issue. However, if you’re only pumping an extra two ounces at a time, you’re going to need to complete a couple of extra steps in order to store a bag of five ounces of breast milk.
It’s not recommended to combine warm and cold breastmilk. That means that you can’t add fresh breast milk, which is your body temperature, to a bag of frozen or already cold breastmilk.
This can warm up the cold breastmilk, which can help bacteria grow. Instead, you’ll have to chill the breastmilk first. That means you will need to store the bag in the fridge, wait on it to cool, and then combine it with another bag.
This can help you save money when it comes to purchasing breastmilk storage bags.
On the other hand, if you’re not strapped for cash, this won’t be an issue. All you have to do is complete a pumping session, and then put the bag in the freezer.
In Conclusion
If you already own a breast pump, pumping breast milk directly into storage bags is as easy as purchasing an adaptor and storage bags.
There are plenty of storage bags available for brand-name pumps that come with an adaptor included. Then, you simply attach the adaptor, and start pumping!
